Church Volunteer Charged for Child Sex Abuse

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COOLBAUGH TOWNSHIP -- A church volunteer in the Poconos was in court Wednesday, accused of sexually abusing three teenage girls and sending them inappropriate text messages.

Ramzan "Ricki" Ali is locked up and is now facing trial.

Police said Ali, who volunteered at Pocono Community Church in Tobyhanna, abused the three teens at the church since the fall of 2011.

The first alleged victim testified that in March of 2011, Ali had sex with her several times at the church in the bathroom and behind the church stage.

She told the judge, "It made me die inside because I didn't know what happened, and now I know it's wrong."

A second alleged victim took the stand, testifying Ali would send her text messages, asking for nude photos. He also grabbed her waist when they were alone.

Police also said Ali inappropriately touched a third girl. In that case, police said the girl was 12 years old at the time.

After the hearing, a judge sent the case to trial and Ali was escorted out of court to prison.

When asked what really happened that night, Ali replied, "Nothing happened, so I have nothing to say."

The pastor of the Pocono Community Church said, "Our church is deeply concerned for the alleged victims involved in this situation. We have been and will continue to cooperate with the authorities leading the investigation and pray that justice will be done."